A Clinical Study of Deep Neck Abscess

Abstract

Deep neck abscess is an important clinical problem that sometimes results in death. Between January 2010 and December 2012, 24 patients with deep neck abscess were treated in our department. We retrospectively analyzed their clinical features and treatment. Twenty-two patients were treated with surgical drainage, and 2 patients with conservative treatment. Seven patients with infrahyoid and mediastinal abscess underwent airway management, including tracheotomy and intubation. Anaerobes were cultured in most cases of widespread abscess. None of the 39 strains were resistant to ampicillin/sulbactam (ABPC/ SBT) or carbapenem (CBP). ABPC/SBT should be used as the first-line antibiotic for the treatment of deep neck abscess.